Released 08/05/2018
Over a million dollars in arts grants funding is available over the next year and the ACT Government is making it easier for artists to apply thanks to the development of an Arts Funding Plan, Minister for the Arts Gordon Ramsay announced today.
Artists can now apply for funding up to $5,000 at any time of the year, giving them access to support for their arts practice when they need it.
“We know artists have projects occurring with short time frames and we want to support their work in a way that will help them the most effectively,” Minister Ramsay said.
“If an applicant is unsuccessful, they will be able to reapply for the same or a different project with some helpful feedback on how they can improve their application.”
Artists can apply for funding of up to $50,000, twice a year, and if they are unsuccessful in the first round, they can apply again in six months, instead of waiting a whole year. The total available budget for 2018-19 for what will now be called Arts Activities Funding is $775,000.
“We’re allowing artists to provide a short video pitch to support their application. We know that for some people writing applications can be a challenge and we want to give all applicants the best chance to clearly describe their project and its outcomes,” Minister Ramsay said.
The ACT Government also has $325,000 available as a one-off funding round for Community Outreach arts projects, as a result of underspends in this funding category.
“The aim of this funding is to increase participation in and access to the arts and promote collaboration between organisations, artists and the community. We want Canberrans to engage in the arts, particularly those that experience barriers or disadvantage.”
The Government is also calling for more artists to be part of the peer assessment process. Peers play a crucial role in ensuring applicants are fairly assessed when applying for funding and we need them across all artforms including dance, circus, music, literature, theatre and visual arts and crafts. Those interested should nominate via the Peer Assessment page on the artsACT website.
In addition to funding, the ACT Government will support the arts sector by hosting workshops and one-on-one sessions to help improve grant application and planning processes. This is the start of ongoing capacity building work by artsACT which will continue through to needs assessment and development of a strategy. This capacity building activity will support artists and arts organisations in enhancing vibrancy, professionalism and inclusion in the ACT arts landscape.
All funding rounds, including nominations for ACT Book of the Year, open on 1 June 2018. The ACT Book of the Year recognises excellence in literature, and is valued at $10,000 for the winner, $2,000 for any highly commended book, and $1,000 for each shortlisted book.
For more information visit: www.arts.act.gov.au.
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Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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